Marco Finanzio
Founder & Managing Director

Marco is the founder of each of the current venues and a pioneer of reactivating the historical Thornbury High Street.  He is also a co-founder of the Melbourne Salami Festa. 

Marco has travelled the world extensively, having also lived in Italy, worked in London and volunteered in Costa Rica. After spending 10 years in the finance world, he decided to return to his true love of hospitality with vital experience and clear direction.

Marco is passionate about providing genuine hospitality and creating environments that bring people together sharing good food and booze.

Carla Barbieri
Marketing & Community

Carla has lived the journey of the Umberto Group since its inception in 2010.  Her experience in the not for profit sector coupled with her Bachelor of Education makes Carla the perfect leader of our community initiative Programma Comunità.

Carla also heads up the marketing department in her spare time!

Alana Scheruga
Admin and Events Manager

With over 12 years of experience in front-of-house and events, Alana has honed her craft across a variety of venues throughout Melbourne. Her passion lies in creating warm, personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Known for her vibrant energy and genuine approach, Alana builds strong connections with both guests and colleagues. She brings every event to life with creativity, care, and a meticulous eye for detail—making her exactly the person you want behind your next special occasion.

Alissa Bressanuti
Group Pastry Chef

With over 20 years of experience in the bustling food retail, café, and restaurant industries, Alissa has navigated the diverse landscape of culinary arts - from dynamic front-of-house engagements to intricate management roles. Now, she’s diving headfirst into her true passion: baking exquisite pastries that dazzle the palate as Group Pastry Chef. She also, manages production at Pastifico Sandro, ensuring our community savours the freshest pasta and gourmet, ready-made meals crafted with love and precision. With her unparalleled dedication and expertise, Alissa blends food artistry with a commitment to quality, bringing joy to every table.

Kyle Perkins
Group Beverage Manager & Assistant Venue Manager - Umberto Espresso Bar

With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Kyle built a wealth of knowledge and ability through working in neighbourhood fish and chip shops as a teenager, to running his first local pub in Sydney at the age of 19. He developed skills through progression in any and every kind of venue he could get into until he found his passion in cocktail bars.

Most recently, Kyle ran beverages at The Rum Diary Bar in Fitzroy, netting 5 award nominations over two years at the annual Australian Bartender Awards - making Kyle the perfect person to manage beverages for the group.

Lazlo Evenhuis
Venue Manager - Umberto Espresso Bar

Lazlo has worked in the hospitality industry, in Victoria and abroad for over 25 years. He has a special affinity for Italian cuisine, wine and culture. Lazlo travels to Italy every 2 years, usually in September to be involved with the grape harvest (vendemmia).

Lazlo has been known to feel ill if he goes more than two days without pasta! He loves to cycle, whether it be the hills of Piemonte or commuting around Melbourne's northern suburbs. He was a customer of Umberto's long before he joined our team, and declares Umberto's Polpette Panino to be the best street food on High st.

Renata Waihi
Venue Manager - Pastificio Sandro

Originally hailing from Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ren has dedicated over 20 years to the hospitality industry. Sixteen years ago, he hopped on a plane with close friends, drawn to Melbourne—the city globally renowned for its hospitality scene—to chase unforgettable experiences.

Ren firmly believes that neighbourhood wine bars are the heartbeat of any community. They’re intimate, welcoming, and the perfect platform for his warm and people-focused style of hospitality. Ren’s vision is not just about serving wine and food—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community, where everyone feels welcome and valued.